M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => Engine + Driveline => Topic started by: dubbedcoastie on July 17, 2012, 08:45:49 PM

Title: Newbie and problems
Post by: dubbedcoastie on July 17, 2012, 08:45:49 PM

bought my first bmw tonight. on the way home the motor locked up.

Just locked up. a few small clunks. Funny thing is i blew up a car about three hours eariler. Day from hell.


Its a 91 Vert. Nice Body. Has alot of life left in it. I am open to any options you guys give me. Rebuild, a different motor, im open to all. I came from old chevys/ Vw/Audi. Im looking at it and thinking it cant be that hard of a motor to work on. Please ask away. Im open ears. Your the experts.

Thanks,

John from Nothern Michigan

Title: Newbie and problems
Post by: willworkfore30s on July 17, 2012, 09:37:25 PM

I would open it up and check things out but if it is truly locked it will most likely be mor economical to just get another m42 and replace it.  I bought an m42 and g240 with 150k miles for $300 and sold my old m42 and g240 that made hella crank shaft clakity clak noises for $230.  These engines are out there for cheap, just got to look for a while.

Title: Newbie and problems
Post by: dubbedcoastie on July 17, 2012, 09:51:06 PM

with that being said, im open to buying one ASAP. i would like to enjoy this while the summer is still around

Title: Newbie and problems
Post by: DesktopDave on July 18, 2012, 07:16:29 AM

The motors are usually pretty cheap.  Not many people really liked the later e36 M42; swaps are common.  Check on BF or R3v to see if anyone is swapping, make them an offer.  I wouldn't pay more than $300ish for a complete motor unless it has really low mileage, a recent timing chain overhaul, MarkD chip, COP kit, etc.  I'd look to get the harness, tranny & DME as well.

When you're looking make sure you check compression, condition of cam gears and crank end play.  The M42 has a pretty weak thrust bearing, early tensioners let the chain stretch, and the idler pulley tends to die.  Later M42's fixed all those problems.  There are detail differences between the two or three models of M42 (mainly the accessory serpentine belt drive & intake manifolds), but you shouldn't have a huge amount of trouble installing a later motor.

Title: Newbie and problems
Post by: dubbedcoastie on July 18, 2012, 08:20:44 AM

the good news is the entire timing chain and gears and whole set up has less than 200 miles on the current motor i have. Im a budget builder so when i saw the 300 for a COMPLETE motor i was pretty shocked.